WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University athletics is proud to participate in the 12th annual NCAA Division III Week (April 10-16) in an effort to celebrate the impact athletics and Bison student-athletes have on our campus and the surrounding community. GU is joining 439 Division III institutions and 44 voting conferences in this week's celebration.

To help focus on the many student-athletes that represent Gallaudet athletics we will spotlight two different student-athletes each day this week. You will learn more about them as they express their feelings on what it is like to be a Division III student-athlete here at Gallaudet. Interviews were conducted by the Gallaudet Sports Information Office.
 
Senior Olivia Anderson (Menominee, Mich.) is a two-year student-athlete for the women's cross country program. Anderson majors in psychology while also minoring in education and is expected to graduate Spring 2024.

In My Own Words: Olivia Anderson

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
OA: It's like having a set time to do something you enjoy while being busy throughout the semester. I love the ability to continue to run cross country and track while continuing my education. I never imagined running at the college level and I am so glad I chose a Division III school to continue my running experience.  
 
Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
OA: I can communicate in ASL and I don't need to worry about communication access. I was mainstreamed my whole life and I was the only deaf student on my cross country and track team. I had to rely on my teammates to fill me in on the information that I missed, and I love my teammates for their willingness, but I enjoy having instant access to communication. 
 
Q: What are your goals after graduation, what do you hope to do in life?
OA: My goal after graduation is to continue my education in the master's program in School Counseling. After my master's, I hope to be in the school system as a counselor, but we'll see where life takes me.  
 
Q: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
OA: With the little free time I have between practice, meets, classes, homework, and work, as you can see I am very busy but I love to draw, hang out with friends, tour DC, go to the public library and be around animals. 
 
Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Sunday: Abdullah Alghamdi (Men's Swimming) | Lilan Nelson (Women's Track and Field)
Saturday: Kylar Sicoli (Football) | Olivia Anderson (Women's Cross Country)
Friday: Vershon Carter (Men's Soccer) | Hannah Puent (Women's Basketball) | Azarriyah McKinnon (Cheerleading)
Thursday: Joshua Bourne (Men's Track and Field) | Reza Mosher (Women's Soccer)
Wednesday: Darren Drolsbaugh (Baseball) | Amanda Chemutai (Women's Swimming)
Tuesday: Kyle D'Amore (Men's Cross Country | Danyeal Davis (Softball)
Monday: Enow Otto Jr. (Men's Basketball) | Citrine Lummer (Women's Volleyball)
 
About Division III Week
Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement. For more information log onto https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2013/11/15/division-iii-week.aspx.
 
About Gallaudet
Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world. For more information about Gallaudet University please log onto www.gallaudet.edu and visit the Bison athletics homepage at www.gallaudetbison.com.